Head of Legal Affairs, Asia

Microsoft; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Singapore is seeking an experienced legal professional to lead the regional legal team and provide strategic legal counsel. The ideal candidate will have at least 9 years of legal experience, a Juris Doctor degree, and a strong background in corporate law and regulatory compliance. This role involves managing litigation, overseeing compliance matters, and working collaboratively with senior leadership to shape business strategies. Embrace innovation by leveraging AI to enhance legal operations.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of legal experience, including leadership roles and strategic initiatives.
• Proven experience in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the regional legal team and national security teams.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to senior sales leadership.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Oversee litigation and disputes.
• Collaborate with the Regional Deal Team for contract negotiations.
• Manage regulatory and compliance matters related to national security.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree

Active license to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the regional legal team and national security teams, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with Microsoft’s values.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to senior sales leadership and business units on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues. Assist in shaping strategy and executing strategic sales priorities in-country.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, proactively managing legal risks.
• Oversee litigation and disputes (excluding HR and consumer disputes), regulatory engagements, and Public Sector contract negotiations. Represent CELA in the Area Compliance Committee.
• Collaborate with the Regional Deal Team to support regulatory aspects of Enterprise Commercial customer contract negotiations.
• Work with the Regional SME&C CELA lead to develop self-help materials for sales motions.
• Coordinate with Government Affairs Leads and Ambassadors to align policy and regulatory engagements, including emerging priorities like privacy, security, AI, and critical infrastructure.
• Leverage outside counsel efficiently to manage budgets.
• Partner with global legal teams to implement Microsoft’s global objectives locally and drive cross-border projects.
• Represent Microsoft in interactions with regulators, legal officers, industry bodies, and legal industry leaders.
• Utilize AI to foster innovation within CELA and the CPS team in Asia.
• Manage regulatory and compliance matters related to national security, critical infrastructure, and relations with Defence and Intelligence sectors.
• Handle responses to security incidents and audits from government and customers.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal degree with 9+ years of legal experience, including leadership roles and strategic initiatives.
• Or equivalent experience.
• Active license to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Proven experience in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and litigation management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multinational corporations or the technology sector is preferred.
• Strong business acumen with pragmatic legal advice skills.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. For disability-related accommodations, please contact via the Accommodation request form. Benefits may vary by country and employment type.